WICHITA, KAN. — The Goodwill Industries of Kansas Board of Directors has announced the retirement of President Emily Compton. Compton, has been with Goodwill affiliates for nearly 35 years and led the local organization for the past 15. She is the agency’s third CEO since the 1960’s and will leave at year’s end.
“Goodwill has been my career because I love its mission of giving individuals with employment barriers the opportunity to move their lives forward,” said Compton.
During Compton’s tenure, Goodwill expanded operations by opening seven additional retail locations. The increased revenue allowed the agency to expand mission services that provide opportunities to individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
Among her accomplishments, Compton facilitated the move of its corporate offices to its current location at 3351 N. Webb. The move allowed the agency to expand its mission services.
Under her leadership the agency merged their GED and English as a Second Language adult education programs with WSU Tech creating NexStep Alliance. NexStep Alliance recently opened its third location in the Wichita area. Most recently, she stewarded the launch of NexStep Unlocked, a program for Kansans exiting the criminal justice system seeking to earn a high school education while earning a certificate in an in-demand career pathway at WSU Tech. She championed the state legislation that allows those studying for their GED to simultaneously take state paid college level technical classes for in-demand career pathways.
Other expansion projects include Project SEARCH, an internship program for adults with disabilities, the Varner Explorer’s Club, a program for adults that are not able to work, and the Learn IT Digital Skills Mobile Lab, a classroom on wheels that provides digital skills training.
A search committee, led by Board Chairman Rob Harmon, has been formed for Compton’s replacement and a search for Goodwill’s next President is underway.
About Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Inc. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Goodwill Industries of Kansas provides opportunities for people with disabilities and barriers to employment seeking independent and productive lives. Hundreds of people with disabilities receive case management services and develop life and job skills through employment at Goodwill’s home office and in the community. Whether it be recycling donated items or preparing insulation for local aviation manufacturers, Goodwill clients and employees have found success and become more independent through work in our contracts division.
In addition, adults work toward their GED and other certificate programs through NexStep Alliance, a partnership between Goodwill and WSU Tech. Goodwill serves more than 1,400 individuals receive services each year. These programs are supported by 18 retail stores in Kansas along with an online division at shopgoodwill.com/ks. For more information about Goodwill, visit goodwillks.org.
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